Attached is safe handling literature for 70% Hydrofluoric Acid solution. Please read this

Transcription

1 P.O. Box 2930, Dear Customer: Attached is safe handling literature for 70% Hydrofluoric Acid solution. Please read this information carefully, particularly that pertaining to properties, personal safety, and instructions for safe handling and storage. Hydrofluoric acid requires special care. All personnel handling it should read the safety material and be familiar with proper handling procedures. The procedures for handling shown in this information are suggested as minimum safety procedures. Both Hydrofluoric Acid and this document are intended for use by persons having technical skills and for use at their own discretion and risk. To assure us that you agree and that as a minimum, you will instruct your employees and any other who might handle this product in these handling procedures, we ask that an authorized official of your company complete the form on the following page and return a copy to this office. Your interest in Harcros Chemicals products is very much appreciated and we hope you will find it satisfactory for your use. Feel free to contact me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx for further assistance and additional copies of the safe handling literature if needed. Sincerely,

2 HARCROS CHEMICALS INC CUSTOMER S CERTIFICATION FOR THE PROPER STORAGE AND USE OF SOLUTIONS Please answer all questions. Any unanswered question or any NO answer is grounds for Harcros Chemicals Inc refusal to sell Hydrofluoric Acid solutions to you. 1. I have read Hydrofluoric Acid First Aid and Basic Facts for Safe Handling or similar information and I am familiar with the health hazards, safe handling, and personal protective equipment requirements for storing and using hydrofluoric acid solutions? YES NO 2. I will make Hydrofluoric Acid First Aid and Basic Facts for Safe Handling or similar information available to all people which this firm manages and who will or may work with or near hydrofluoric acid solutions? YES NO 3. I will provide copies of Hydrofluoric Acid First Aid and Basic Facts for Safe Handling or similar information to all of this firm s customers of hydrofluoric acid solutions, weather in the same form as sold by Harcros Chemicals or as an active ingredient in manufactured products? YES NO 4. I will maintain a supply of 2.5% calcium gluconate gel or other hydrofluoric acid burn treatment supplies generally known to be effective as part of my First Aid supplies? YES NO Printed Name of Authorized Representative Signature Date Firm Name and Address

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Properties... 2 Label Warnings Health Hazards... 2 Exposure Limits... 3 Safe Handling... 4 Personal protective Equipment... 4 Special Safety Facilities... 5 Medical Supplies... 7 First Aid Treatment The information provided herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Harcros Chemicals Inc provides no warranties, either expressed or implied and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the data contained herein. This information is offered for your information, consideration, and investigation. You should satisfy yourself that you have all current data relevant to your particular use. 3

4 PROPERTIES Physical State 70% Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is a fuming aqueous solution with a normal boiling point of 152 o F and a vapor pressure of 110 mmhg at 68 o F. Sharp Odor HF Vapor, even at low concentrations in air, has a sharp, penetrating odor, which is a deterrent to overexposure by operating personnel. Nonflammable HF is nonflammable and will not support combustion of organic materials. Hydrogen Hazard Although HF is nonflammable; its corrosive action on metals can result in the formation of hydrogen. The presence of hydrogen in containers, piping and equipment presents an explosion hazard. Consequently, potential sources of ignition such as open flames and sparks should be excluded from HF operating and storage areas. Corrosive HF Acid is very corrosive. It attacks glass, concrete, and some metals especially cast iron and some steels. The acid also attacks leather, natural rubber, and wood but does not promote their combustion. LABEL WARNINGS DANGER! EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES SEVERE SKIN AND EYE BURNS THAT MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY PAINFUL OR VISIBLE. CAN BE ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN IN TOXIC AMOUNTS. HARMFUL IF INHALED CAUSES LUNG DAMAGE. HEALTH HAZARDS Extremely hazardous liquid and vapor. Over exposure by eye or skin contact to HF liquid causes severe eye and skin corrosion, excruciatingly painful, deep-seated and slow healing burns and ulcers. It causes immediate burns and rapid destruction of tissue accompanied by severe pain at concentrations above 50%; in 20% to 50% concentrations, the burns can be delayed 1 8 hours; in concentrations less than 20%, 4

5 HEALTH HAZARDS (continued) Painful erythema may be delayed 24 hours; latent skin burns and necrosis with slow healing can occur even at concentrations of 2%. Wearing clothing contaminated with HF (such as shoes and gloves) may result in painful delayed effects. The fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin and deep tissue causing destruction of soft tissue and decalcification of bone. Tissue destruction and neutralization of HF proceed for days. Overexposure by skin or eye contact to the vapors may cause skin irritation or corrosion with discomfort and rash; eye irritation with discomfort, tearing, or blurring of vision; eye corrosion with corneal or conjunctival ulceration. HF can be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts. Overexposure by inhalation can cause choking and coughing; severe eye, nose and throat irritation followed, after an asymptomatic period of 1 to 2 days, by fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, cyanosis and pulmonary edema; hypocalcaemia which leads to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias; or kidney and liver damage. Overexposure by inhalation to concentrated HF vapors can cause pulmonary edema and death within 2 to 3 hours. Prolonged overexposure to the vapors can cause fluorosis, which may also result in weight loss, brittle bones, anemia, weakness, and stiffness of joints and discoloration of the teeth when exposures occur during tooth formation. EXPOSURE LIMITS The U.S. Department of labor (OSHA) has ruled* that an employee s exposure to HF vapor in any 8-hour shift of a 40-hour week shall not exceed a time-weighted average of 3 ppm HF vapor in air by volume or 2.5 mg/m 3 (as F). The OSHA Short Term exposure Limit (STEL) is 6 ppm, 5 mg/m 3 (as F). *Due to changing recommendations and governmental regulations, such as those of the Department of Labor, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration, references herein to governmental requirements may be superseded. Each user should consult and follow the current governmental regulations, such as Hazard Classification. Labeling, Food Use Clearances, Worker Exposure Limitations, and Waste Disposal Procedures for the up-to-date requirements for hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen fluoride solutions. 5

6 SAFE HANDLING Safety Precautions Do not get HF in eyes, skin or on clothing. Do not breathe vapor; keep containers closed. Use with sufficient ventilation to keep employee exposure below recommended limits. Wash thoroughly after handling. Buildings and Equipment Pipelines should be installed so they drain completely when not in use. Slightly inclined lines will prevent accumulation of acid in low points and reduce safety hazards when repairs are necessary. Designate any tools for repair of normal operations as HF tools and keep tem in the HF area. Tools contaminated with HF should be promptly washed and neutralized. No open flames, open lights, or matches should be permitted in or around HF containers or equipment. The possibility of HF acting on metal and generating flammable hydrogen gas is ever present. Only non-sparking tools and spark-proof electrical equipment should be used in HF storage and handling areas. Container Storage HF drums should never be stacked. HF vapors will attack wood pallets (vapor emissions can occur even from a sealed drum). Use extra caution whenever moving containers stored on wood pallets. Ventilation Use only with ventilation sufficient to keep vapor concentrations below the exposure limit. Use forced draft ventilation scrubbers for fume control. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT The minimum protection required for operating and maintenance personnel includes: Coveralls with long sleeves Chemical splash goggles or full face shield (If face shield is used, goggles or safety glasses with side shields must be worn under face shield) Hard hat Gauntlet style gloves of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or neoprene Safety shoes with PVC, neoprene or composition soles 6

7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (continued) In case of abnormally large leaks or high vapor concentration, a self-contained breathing apparatus should be sued. The highest degree of protection is afforded by an air-inflated suit with mask and safety belt included. Protective clothing and equipment should not be worn or carried beyond the operating area. Each item should be washed and removed according to a written, sequential procedure to avoid possible hydrofluoric acid contact with any part of the body. An example of such a procedure follows: 1. With water, thoroughly wash down all outer garments below the neck. This includes gauntlets or gloves, boots, apron or coveralls, jackets and trousers. 2. Remove hardhat, hood, mask or face shield while gloves are still on. Thoroughly wash these items with water and wash gloves again. 3. Remove apron or coveralls, jacket and trousers, boots and gloves, in that order. 4. Wash hands with water. Remove eye goggles last and wash them. After an exposure to HF, each item should be thoroughly washed. SPECIAL SAFETY FACILITIES The following should be readily accessible in all areas where HF solutions are handled: Safety showers Water should be supplied to the shower in sufficient volume (minimum pressure 30 psig/207 kpa) through a quick-opening valve, which stays open. Safety showers in outdoor areas should be properly protected against freezing. Water hydrant and hose, or some means of flushing spills with large volumes of water under slight pressure. Eye wash fountain, or some means of gently irrigating the eyes. A drinking fountain or hose with a gentle flow of tap water is suitable. 7

8 SPECIAL SAFETY FACILITIES (continued) Neutralizer A slurry of lime should be available for neutralization. Lime is much preferred over soda ash because of less hazardous neutralization byproduct. Additional information In the event of an accident or emergency involving Hydrofluoric Acid purchased from Harcros Chemicals in transit anywhere in the United States, make a toll-free telephone call (day or night) to CMA s Chemical Transportation Emergency Center ( CHEMTREC ) in Washington, D.C. MEDICAL SUPPLIES (800) The following material have been found to be useful and effective in the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns, and should be on hand at the First Aid Station: *Calcium gluconate gel, 2.5%. This gel is prepared by mixing 3.5 grams of USP calcium gluconate powder or 5 standard ampules (10 ml, 10%) with a 5-ounce tube of surgical water-soluble lubricant (e.g., K-Y Lubricating Jelly, Johnson & Johnson). The shelf life of the gel has not been determined. Storage of the gel has limitations and refrigeration may help. *Calcium gluconate 10% (standard ampules). (See Medical Treatment for preparing nebulizer and injection solutions.) *One percent calcium gluconate in normal, sterile saline solution. Make by mixing 1 standard ampule per 90 ml of saline solution. Milk of magnesia powder. 99% pure USP medical oxygen with regulator and mask. Impervious gloves Nebulizer Blanket Shower Facilities. * These items should be prepared by a licensed pharmacist. 8

9 FIRST AID TREATMENT Speed in removing exposed personnel for the contaminated area and in removing HF from the skin or eyes is of primary importance. First aid must be started immediately, within seconds, in all cases of contact with hydrofluoric acid in any form. All potentially exposed personnel should be trained in first aid care for HF burns. First aid actions should be planned before beginning work with HF. Calcium gluconate gel should be readily accessible in areas where HF exposure potential exists. Medical assistance should be obtained promptly for all affected persons. The doctor should be informed in detail of the accident. HF differs form other acids in that the fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin causing destruction of deep tissue layers including bone. Unlike other acids, which are readily neutralized, this process may continue for days. Skin Contact: Immediately shower with large quantities of water within seconds after contact or suspected contact, and completely remove all clothing while in the shower (remove goggles last). Flush the skin thoroughly with water for 5 minutes. Flushing with water thoroughly for 5 minutes is sufficient time to effectively remove hydrogen fluoride from the skin. Additional flushing time is unnecessary and will delay further treatment. Apply calcium gluconate (2.5%) gel at the burn site or area of contamination by rubbing it in continuously. Wear impervious gloves. Examination and treatment by a physician is recommended as quickly as feasible. It may be necessary to transport the victim to the nearest hospital emergency room. Remember also that concentrated HF causes immediate pain, but dilute HF solutions may not cause redness burning or pain until several minutes or even hours have elapsed. Eye Contact: Immediately flush the eyes with large quantities of water for 5 minutes while holding the eyelids apart. Trained personnel should apply calcium gluconate 1% (no stronger) by continuous drip. THE EYES WILL REQUIRE FURTHER TREATMENT SEE NOTES TO THE PHYSICIAN EYE CONTACT 9

10 FIRST AID TREATMENT (continued) Vapor Inhalation: Immediately remove the patient to an uncontaminated atmosphere. Call a physician. Administer oxygen as soon as possible. Trained personnel should provide calcium gluconate, 2.5% solution, by nebulizer with patient in the sitting position. Keep the patient warm. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Immediately drink water to dilute the acid, followed by milk of magnesia. Call a physician. Throat burns may cause severe swelling and require a tracheotomy (opening the windpipe). The patient should be admitted to the hospital and carefully attended. NOTES TO THE PHYSICIAN The choice of therapy following first aid measures is at the discretion of the attending physician. Selection of the best treatment will depend of the following factors: Concentration and temperature of the HF Degree and extent of burn Duration of exposure Areas of body affected Elapsed time since exposure First aid measures taken before physician s arrival Age and clinical history of patient General condition of patient The following methods, using materials listed under MEDICAL SUPPLIES, have been effective in the treatment of HF burns. The methods are broken down by routes of exposure. Minor exposures are limited exposures to HF liquid and vapor. Major exposures are extensive exposures to HF liquid and vapor and all cases of combined routes of exposure, e.g., skin and inhalation exposures. Patients suffering suspected face or chest exposure should be assumed to have incurred inhalation exposure also. In all cases of major exposure to HF, hypocalcemia may be present; therefore, calcium levels must be determined immediately upon arrival at the hospital. During 10

11 NOTES TO THE PHYSICIAN (continued) hospitalization, calcium levels should be monitored frequently. If possible, blood should be drawn by qualified individuals for serum calcium in site medical facility (if available) and sent to the hospital with the patient. Cardiac monitoring (EKG) is necessary (hypocalcaemia causes prolonged Q-T interval and may cause cardiac rhythm abnormalities). Renal and liver function should be monitored. In major inhalation exposure, pulmonary edema of the upper airway may occur. Blood gases should be monitored accordingly. I. Skin Contact: Topically applied, calcium gluconate gel (2.5%) must be rubbed into all burn areas continuously until pain has completely subsided but no longer than 30 minutes. Calcium gluconate gel should not be used until after thorough and complete washing of the skin with water for 5 minutes. If pain continues for longer than 30 minutes, proceed with calcium gluconate topical injections. Care should be taken to see that personnel who apply the gel, especially on the initial applications, wear impervious gloves to prevent skin contamination with HF and the development of hand burns. Calcium Gluconate Topical Injections: When there is evidence of skin penetration as in second of third degree burns, a 5% calcium gluconate solution (the standard ampule of 10% calcium gluconate for intravenous use must be diluted to 5% by mixing with an equal amount of normal sterile saline) may be injected by infiltrating the skin and subcutaneous tissues in the same manner as the injection of any local anesthetic. Use stainless steel needles. Care should be taken to avoid overdosing with calcium. All skin, which has been exposed, should be infiltrated including up to ¼ inch (6 mm) around the area. This may prevent the development of severe burns. Use of a local anesthetic is contraindicated, since pain in indicative of response to treatment. Burns around the fingernail may require splitting the nail from the distal end in order to relieve pain and facilitate draining. In cases of overexposure due to HF, as in skin burns of greater than approximately 25 square inches (160 cm 2 ) in area, hypocalcaemia may be present. Therefore, systemic administration of calcium gluconate may be necessary. Frequent monitoring of serum calcium, cardiac, renal, and hepatic functions is necessary. 11

12 NOTES TO THE PHYSICIAN (continued) II. Eye Contact: Immediate, rapid washing of the eyes with large quantities of water for 5 minutes should be followed by continuous drip of 1% calcium gluconate (no stronger) in normal, sterile saline. No oils or ointments should be used. Inflammation may be decreased by the use of corticosteroid solutions for ophthalmic use. An eye specialist should be consulted immediately. III. Vapor Inhalation: Persons suspected of having had HF exposure by inhalation should immediately be given 100% oxygen by mask or catheter. As soon as possible (as precautionary treatment), they should be administered (in the sitting position and utilizing a nebulizer) 2.5% calcium gluconate solution by inhalation for 20 minutes. Make 2.5% solution by mixing 1 standard ampule per30 ml of normal, sterile saline solution. All those suspected of HF exposure and who experience signs and/or symptoms of respiratory irritation should be considered as strong candidates for admission to an intensive card unit for careful observation during the first hours. Delayed pulmonary edema is possible in patients with burns of the skin of face and neck. The patient should be carefully watched for edema of the upper airway with respiratory obstruction and the airway maintained by tracheotomy or endotracheal intubation if necessary. The administration of respiratory care should be very closely supervised and most likely includes continued administration of 2.5% calcium gluconate by inhalation. Toxicity from pulmonary absorption of fluoride ion may rapidly develop in the liver and kidneys, and may require more energetic measures of control, including hemodialysis, particularly if the blood urea nitrogen and potassium levels rise. Supportive care is necessary for all organ systems. IV. Ingestion: Refer to first aid measures as described. Gastric lavage with limewater or milk may be performed, but only by a physician. Treatment is the same as for ingestion of other strong acids. For more details on the handling of major HF exposures, see the article: M.A. Trevino et al., J. Occ. Med., 25 p. 861 (1983). 12